Share this Page

Besiktas v Spurs preview

Date published: Monday 24th August 2015 2:13

The full-back has been sidelined since March with an abdominal injury but, after returning to full training last month, is ready to return to competitive action having made the trip to Istanbul.
Spurs, who are two points clear at the top of Group C, must avoid defeat against Besiktas to retain their position but with both sides already qualified, Mauricio Pochettino has suggested he is ready to rest several of his key players.
Young stars Harry Winks and Josh Onomah are set to feature after being named in the matchday squad, while captain Younes Kaboul could return at the heart of the visitors’ defence after a spell on the bench.
One man who will not be available is striker Emmanuel Adebayor after the club gave him permission to return home to Togo.
In a brief statement on their website, the club said: “We can confirm that Emmanuel Adebayor has been given permission to return home for personal reasons. This is a private matter and so we will not be providing any further comment.”
However, Spurs will be boosted by the news former Chelsea striker Demba Ba will be missing for the hosts.
The 29-year-old scored a late penalty in the 1-1 draw at White Hart Lane but with Besiktas, who are also missing Mustafa Pektemek and Atiba Hutchinson, already through to the next round, Ba will not be risked by boss Slaven Bilic.
“We’ve got good form, we have got good results,” former West Ham and Everton defender Bilic said.
“We have before us a great team and a tough test awaits. There are a number of our players that are missing and we have to be careful about injuries and fatigue.”